Policies

General policies

Equipment access

Our goal is to make the Maker Hub welcoming to all students, faculty, and staff. You are able to use most equipment in the Maker Hub without any official training. If you don’t know how to use something, please ask a staff member for help. Some equipment in the Maker Hub – Downtown location requires training. For example, the laser engraver, CNC router and saws all require training before you can use them. Review tool-specific access information by clicking on Projects, then the tool.

Safety

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Follow all safety rules posted in each location and listen to Maker Hub staff. If you see someone not following a rule, say something.

In the Maker Hub – Downtown, closed-toed shoes are required past the 3D printer rack. The one exception is if you’re visiting for a class orientation.

Safety Zone rules

The Safety Zone, a section of the space in the Downtown location with more potentially dangerous tools, has additional safety rules. When in the Safety Zone:

Wear safety glasses at all times. Hearing protection and dust masks are also available if you’re using loud or dusty materials. Personal protective equipment is available just outside the Safety Zone.

No long sleeves, ties, dangling jewelry or any other loose fitting clothing.

Injuries

If you are injured at any time, you may use the first-aid kit in the Maker Hub. If the injury is more severe, call 336.278.5555 (Elon Security) and ask for assistance. If the injury is life-threatening, call 911.

Use of the Maker Hub by dependents of Elon faculty and staff

Dependents age 18 and older with a valid Phoenix Card may use the Maker Hub during normal operating hours and attend Maker Hub events and workshops. All users, including dependents, must be certified to operate advanced equipment, like saws, laser engraver, and CNC router.

Dependents under the age of 18 may use the Maker Hub only when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with a valid Phoenix Card. A parent/legal guardian must be present and supervise dependents the entire time. Dependents younger than 18 may attend Maker Hub events and workshops when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Dependents under the age of 18 cannot be certified to operate advanced equipment, like saws, laser engraver, and CNC router.

The Maker Hub has the right to limit the amount of materials dependents may use in the Maker Hub.

Weapon making is banned

The university policy on weapons states that no weapons are allowed on campus, and this includes the Maker Hub. The creation of weapons, parts of weapons, or life-like replicas is prohibited in the Maker Hub. Examples of weapons include, but are not limited to: the use of any object as a weapon or in a threatening manner; guns, rifles, pistols, bullets, explosives, BB guns, airsoft guns, paint pellet guns, bow and arrows, slingshots, bowie knives, daggers, switch-blade knives, metallic knuckles, throwing stars, knives of more than six inches when opened and any other weapon of any kind. This policy includes parts of weapons, ammunition, defensive as well as offensive weapons, and any item deemed a weapon by Maker Hub staff. Items deemed by Maker Hub staff to be in violation of this policy will be confiscated by the Maker Hub.

Tools of vandalism are banned

Items produced in the Maker Hub may not be used in a way that violates university posting policies or local, state, or federal laws regarding vandalism. If you have any questions about this policy, please consult a Maker Hub student staff member.

Food and drink

Food is allowed in designated areas in the Maker Hub. Drinks must have a closable top.

Consequences for policy violations

Access to the Maker Hub is a privilege and not a right. All Maker Hub policies are posted on the website, and users are responsible for learning and following the policies. Knowingly or unknowingly violating policies comes with consequences. The exact consequences vary depending on the nature of the situation and will be decided by members of the department of Instructional and Campus Technologies. Possible consequences for violating lab policies include being asked to leave for the day, being banned from the lab, having campus safety and police notified, and any consequences issued through our Office of Judicial Affairs. The severity of the consequence will be matched with the severity of the policy infraction.

Materials

You're welcome to use anything we have in stock for coursework, research projects, or just for fun, with a few exceptions below.

You should plan to purchase your own materials if:

You plan to sell what you make.

You require a lot of materials to build a big project (a table, for example).

From time to time there is a need to safely dispose of electronics such as circuit boards, computers, and monitors. Do not dispose of these in the trash. Use the bin marked “E-Waste” located in the space.

Project storage

The Maker Hub has limited space for temporary project storage. In the Maker Hub – Colonnades, you’re welcome to use the blue bins on the wall for project storage. Write your name on the bin with the masking tape provided. In the Maker Hub – Downtown, use the shelves built-into the rolling whiteboards for storage. Please write your name on the shelf with the provided marker. Once the project is complete, please remove it. Projects left on the shelf for one month will be recycled.

Cleaning up

This is very important as it is not anyone else’s job to clean up a mess you make. This takes up time that could be better spent helping users. Messes can also pose a safety hazard. Make sure you clean up after yourself.

Modified with permission from think[box] at Case Western Reserve University.

This document incorporates material produced by, think[box] at Case Western Reserve University. By using this material, in whole or in part, modified or unmodified, you agree to release and forever discharge Case Western Reserve University from all claims, costs, liabilities, and judgments including attorney’s fees and court costs, arising out of your use of this document. http://thinkbox.case.edu